can u pressure wash an "O" ring chain?

M

MadiV

Member

Feb 8, 2006

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• Mar 1, 2006

• #1

hey, im in need of new chain and sprockets and i am told "O" ring chains are overall better then non "O" ring chains. Can u use a presure washer on an "O" ring chain like u do on a non"O" ring chain?

 

T

TimberPig

Member

Jan 19, 2006

859

1

• Mar 1, 2006

• #2

It's not a good idea to pressure wash either type of chain from very close, as it forces water into the bearing surfaces of the chain.

If you mean can you rinse it off with the pressure washer from a couple feet away so the pressure isn't very high, and water won't be forced into the bearing surfaces, then yes, it won't hurt it. Don't stick the wand inches away from either chain type and blast away, as this isn't good for any chain.

 

M

MadiV

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• Mar 1, 2006

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• #3

thanks man

 

RM_guy

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• Mar 2, 2006

• #4

I stopped using an o-ring chain because no matter how hard I tried to keep the pressure washer away from it, I just couldn't and once water gets past the o-rings the chain is soon to be toast. There is nothing you can do to save it at that point.

With a non-O-ring chain you can blast it all you want with a pressure washer. In fact, the more the better. It gets all the gunk out from inside it. Just make sure you hit it with a good shot of WD40 to drive the water away from the internal bearing surfaces. Then when it's all dry apply a good dry lube chain lube like MX1000. It leave absolutely no sticky residue to attract dirt.

 

Papakeith

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• Mar 2, 2006

• #5

Good god, just wash the damned thing, lubricate it, adjust it and ride. Don't pay any mind to RM"nancy"guy either :blah: . He can't hardly get outta first gear going down hill with a tail wind, so chain wear ain't exactly an issue for him :p :moon:

 

RM_guy

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• #6

Papakeith said:

...He can't hardly get outta first gear going down hill with a tail wind, so chain wear ain't exactly an issue for him :p :moon:

Click to expand...

When ever I ride with you I have to leave it in first gear :rotfl: :nener:

Let's :ride:

 

Papakeith

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• #7

touche`

 

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MadiV

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Feb 8, 2006

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• Mar 8, 2006

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• #8

so would u suggest a o ring or non-ring chain?

 

T

TimberPig

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• Mar 8, 2006

• #9

MadiV said:

so would u suggest a o ring or non-ring chain?

Click to expand...

Try this

 

L

larosche

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Apr 20, 2000

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• Mar 8, 2006

• #10

If you lube the o-ring chain while it is hot (right after you ride), the lube will go into the chain & stick better.
Why do you feel the need to pressure wash a chain? Just spray it down. If you must, get a chain brush.
RAD DAD

 

RM_guy

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• Mar 9, 2006

• #11

Most of the time it's an unintentional hit with the pressure washer that causes the trouble. Like I said in my post, I'd rather not deal with it and now I use a non-O-ring chain.

 

CaptainObvious

Formally known as RV6Junkie

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I too gave up on o-ring chains because I never had one that out lasted a non o-ring chain. Moreover, I notice when I wash my bike, the rear tire spins freely with the non o-ring chain, while an o-ring chain doesn't allow the tire to spin freely.

I'm sure that drag is robbing power.

And I've ridden with both Papakeith and RM_Nancy. Well, I ride and they lube their chains, as well as other things.

 

RM_guy

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• #13

CaptainObvious said:

...And I've ridden with both Papakeith and RM_Nancy. Well, I ride and they lube their chains, as well as other things.

Click to expand...

Oh yeah, you're that guy we always have to wait for at trail intersections. :p :laugh:

 

V

velosapiens

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Mar 18, 2002

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• Mar 9, 2006

• #14

larosche said:

I
Why do you feel the need to pressure wash a chain? Just spray it down.

Click to expand...

pressure washing a chain will do the same thing that pressure washing the rest of your bike will do; make it look clean while forcing water past seals into places it shouldn't be and turning your bike to junk faster. if you rebuild your bike every week, it makes sense to pressure wash it, but i would still be careful with the chain. i just use a hose and a soft scrubbrush, and i use a lube that's not too sticky and goopy.

mw